Jian Rui

Jian Rui thinks he made the best decision when he joined the
PhD program in the Department of Communication at UB.

“This is perhaps the best program for international students. Everyone here is so nice, open-minded, and helpful. They gave me a lot of information that made my transition very smooth. We are like a family.”

Jian Rui

Communication PhD Student

Jian Rui believes he found the perfect program for his PhD
study.

“Before I started my PhD study, I heard a lot of problems
you could encounter as a PhD student, so I was nervous when I came
here,” says Rui.

But his anxiety soon disappeared because he found joining the
PhD program in communication was the best decision he could have
made.

“This is perhaps the best program for international
students. Everyone here is so nice, open-minded, and helpful. They
gave me a lot of information that made my transition very smooth.
We are like a family.”

The most important work for PhD students is doing research.
Whenever he has questions about his research, he doesn’t
hesitate to ask his mentor, Dr. Michael Stefanone, assistant
professor of communication.

“I know he’s always there whenever I need help. I
even don’t have to make an appointment with him. I can just
stop by his office. He’s willing to spend time helping me. He
even showed me how to solve statistical problems step by step. Time
is very precious for a professor on the pre-tenure track, so
I’m very grateful for him.”

“He encouraged me to think of a bigger picture, not
delving into a particular small area,” says Rui, “This
is very helpful because I learned to relate all the theories and
concepts together and have a comprehensive view of my
field.”

In a city as diverse as Buffalo, you can always find something
fun to do, whether it's taking a leisurely walk in one of our
glorious Olmsted-designed parks or taking in a
thought-provoking work of art at dozens of art galleries.